Jessie Ruth Angel

Franklin, NC - Jessie Ruth Angel, age 78, of Gastonia, NC died Sunday, November 16, 2008 at Terrace Ridge Assisted Living. She was born in Franklin, NC to the late Lucille McCollum Angel and the late Zebulon Grady Angel. In addition to her parentsshe was preceded in death by a sister Mary Evelyn Angel Dance, a brother Robert Jackson Angel, and a nephew James Randolph Dance.

Ms. Angel graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in education. She started her long teaching career as a first-grade teacher in Gaston County Schools in 1952. She retired as the director of Exceptional Children’s programs in 1995. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Gastonia. Ms. Angel was known nationally for her innovative and creative ideas that put Gaston County Schools on the forefront of addressing the needs of children with disabilities. She was a member of Gaston Skills Board of Directors for over 27 years, she served as State President for the Council of Administrators of Special Education, and served as state and national consultant for exceptional children. In 1998, she began representing the Gastonia Township on the Gaston County Board of Education. She was recognized for her work with exceptional adults and children and was honored with North Carolina’s highest award, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. In 2002, she received the NC Exceptional Children’s Distinguished Service Award. In June of this year, Gaston County dedicated the Ruth Angel Building for Exceptional Children, located at 315 West Third Avenue, Gastonia.

Ms. Angel is survived by a brother, Dan Weldon Angel and wife Sandra of Toccoa, GA; a brother, Richard Carlton Angel of Walland TN, and a brother-in-law James R. Dance of Knoxville, TN; a niece, Melanie Lynn Angel of Stone Mountain, GA; and a nephew, Robert Bruce Dance of Myrtle Beach, SC.

Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 PM on Wednesday November 19th at McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia, NC. and from 10:00-12:00 Noon Friday November 21st, 2008 at Bryant Funeral Home, 105 W. Main St. Franklin, NC 28734. A graveside service will be conducted by Dr. James R. Westmoreland at noon Friday November 21, 2008 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Franklin, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gaston County Education Foundation, PO Box 1397, Gastonia, NC 28053/

Online condolences are available by visiting www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.